The viewers of Channel 7 evening news in Watertown will soon say goodbye to a familiar face on television. For 20 years, WWNY-TV anchor Brian Ashley has delivered the evening news every weeknight. Ashley is moving on to join the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization as its new leader.
Ashley began his broadcast career in radio while living across the border in Canada, where he's from originally. He moved onto TV in 1994 to host the evening news on Channel 7 alongside his wife, Ann Richter.
Ashley said he's grateful for all the viewers who've tuned in throughout the years.
"It's a relationship. It's just not me delivering the news, it's us having a conversation every night with my wife Ann. We just want them to know what's going on. Our signature sign off for the past twenty years has been 'Thanks for making us part of your world tonight.'"
Ashley said he'll still be relaying information to the community in his new role as leader of the Fort Drum Liaison Organization, a group that links the Watertown community with Fort Drum. Instead of breaking news, he'll be sitting down with U.S. Army leaders and local agencies. He said while he'll miss some things about working in TV, he'll still be doing the kind of work he loves.
"I always tell our reporters some of the best tools you have are the two ears on your head. Listening to people, listening to what they have to say, listening to what their concerns are, listening to what their priorities are."
Ashley will replace Carl McLaughlin, who retired from his position at the end of August after more than 12 years. He'll take over the job January 2.